About Saladin Citadel
The Saladin Citadel, also known as the Citadel of Cairo, is a medieval fortress located in the city of Cairo, Egypt. It was built by Saladin, a Kurdish ruler in the 12th century, to protect Cairo from potential Crusader attacks and to provide a secure center of government for his new regime. It is situated on a promontory beneath the Muqattam Hills, a location that made it difficult to attack.
The Citadel was expanded and developed by Saladin’s successors during the Mamluk period, culminating in the construction projects of Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad in the 14th century.
In the first half of the 19th century, Muhammad Ali Pasha demolished many of the older buildings and built new palaces and monuments all across the site, giving it much of its present form.
The Citadel underwent major development during the Mamluk Sultanate period that followed and became the seat of government in Egypt and the residence of its rulers for nearly 700 years from the 13th to the 19th centuries. The site also includes mosques and museums and is now a preserved historic site.
About Coptic Cairo
Coptic Cairo is a historic neighborhood within Old Cairo in Egypt, which encompasses many Coptic Christian churches and historical sites. It is believed that the Holy Family visited the area and stayed at the site of Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church (Abu Serga) according to Christian tradition.
The area has been settled since the 6th century BC when Persians built a fort on the Nile, north of Memphis. Coptic Cairo was a stronghold for Christianity in Egypt both before and during the Islamic era, as most of its churches were built after the Muslim conquest of Egypt in the 7th century.
The neighborhood contains several historically significant churches, including the Hanging Church, the Church of the Holy Virgin (Babylon El-Darag), Saint Mary Church (Haret Elroum), the Church of Saint Menas, and more.
Coptic Cairo is a predominantly Christian area to this day and is home to the Coptic Museum, which showcases Coptic art and artifacts from across Egypt’s Christian history. The site also includes the Babylon Fortress, an ancient fortification dating back to the Roman era.
Visitors to Coptic Cairo can explore the labyrinth-like alleys and streets, taking in the many historical buildings and religious sites along the way. Some popular things to do in Coptic Cairo include visiting the churches and the museum, exploring the ancient fortress, and experiencing the vibrant local culture. Overall, Coptic Cairo is a fascinating and historically rich neighborhood that offers a glimpse into Egypt’s early Christian history and heritage.
